In the Mahabharat, Barbarik was such a great warrior whose power was compared to Bhima, Arjuna, and Karna. He had so much power that he could end the entire war in 1 minute alone! But still, he did not fight the war. Why? Let’s know this interesting story…
Who was Barbarik?
Barbarik was the son of Ghatotkach and Maurvi (Naagkanya Ahilavati), i.e. grandson of Bhima. He had obtained three invincible arrows (as powerful as Trishul) by doing a rigorous penance to Lord Shiva.
Barbarik’s great power
First arrow – could mark any target.
Second arrow – could destroy the marked target.
Third arrow – could revive the destroyed target!
With the help of these arrows, he could kill the entire army in a moment and revive them again!
Why did Krishna test Barbarik?
When Barbarik decided to participate in the war, Shri Krishna (disguised as a Brahmin) appeared before him and asked:
“Which side will you fight on?”
Barbarik said:
“I have promised my mother that I will always support the weaker side. I will fight on the side of the side that starts losing!”
On hearing this, Krishna understood that if Barbarik joined the war, the balance would be disturbed, because he would repeatedly turn back and drag the war to infinity.
Krishna asked for Barbarik’s head as a donation!
Shri Krishna said to Barbarik:
“If you are a great warrior, then donate your head!”
Barbarik recognized that this was no ordinary Brahmin, but God himself. Without hesitation, he cut off his head and donated it!
Barbarik’s head became a witness to the war
Krishna placed Barbarik’s head on a hill, from where he could see the entire war.
After the war, there was a dispute among the Pandavas as to who should be given the credit for winning the war.
Then Barbarik’s head said:
“Only Shri Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra and mace were working in the entire war, the rest were just mischievous puppets!”
This proved that the real winner was only Lord Krishna.
Barbarik is worshipped even today
Barbarik is worshipped by the name of “Khatu Shyam”.
His famous temple is in Khatu town of Rajasthan, where lakhs of devotees visit him.
It is believed that every trouble of the devotee who remembers Khatu Shyam with a true heart goes away.
Also Read: Why did Shree Krishna not use the Sudarshan Chakra in the Mahabharata?
